Preview: Bristol City vs. Leeds United

Both Bristol City and Leeds United will be after their first win of the season when they meet in Wednesday night's Championship match at Ashton Gate.

Hosts Bristol are still without a point, while Leeds are hoping to kickstart their season after two encouraging draws.

Bristol

© Getty Images

They romped to the title in League One last term, but Steve Cotterill's Robins have found life back in the Championship difficult so far.

They created little in the opening-day loss at Sheffield Wednesday before twice throwing away the lead and having key-man Luke Freeman sent off in Saturday's 4-2 home defeat to Brentford.

In between those two was also a 3-1 defeat in the Capital One Cup first round to League Two side Luton Town and Cotterill will be keen to end the losing streak tomorrow.

Defensively, especially, the Robins have struggled with the return to Championship level. They have conceded as many goals in their last two league games (six) as they did in their previous 11.

Despite their defensive problems, it is in attack where Cotterill is looking to splash some cash. They failed to convince Dwight Gayle to join them from Crystal Palace and have now reportedly turned their attentions to prising Andre Gray away from Brentford.

Recent form: LLL

Leeds

© Getty Images

While Bristol fans might be wondering when the first win will arrive, supporters of Leeds United will feel that it is just around the corner after a pair of encouraging performances in their opening two league games.

They created plenty in the 1-1 draw with Burnley before matching Reading on the road two days ago but struggling to forge many chances in a tight game.

Both of Leeds' league games so far could have been wins, but draws mean that they have now been held in their last three matches in league competition. Another draw at Ashton Gate would make it four in a row for the first time in over 10 years.

Leeds also exited the League Cup at the first hurdle, the first time in their history they've done so, by losing on penalties down the road at Doncaster Rovers.

Chris Wood will be keen to score his first goal for the club having played all 180 minutes in the league and not hit the target with any of his seven shots so far.

Recent form: DLD

Team News

Freeman is suspended for three games after his red card against Brentford and will miss the tricky trio of games against Leeds, Middlesbrough and Burnley, meaning he won't return until after the first international break.

The left-sider's absence could result in Joe Bryan moving up to a more advanced role and Ryan Fredericks coming in at left-back. In goal, Ben Hamer will continue with Frank Fielding out injured.

Leeds also have a player suspended as Lewis Cook serves the second of his three-game ban. Fellow youngster Kalvin Phillips took his place at Reading, but Luke Murphy might come in here after returning to full fitness.

Mirco Antenucci could also take Phillips's place if Rosler wants to rejig his formation and go with two up front. At the back, Liam Cooper got the nod over Giuseppe Bellusci at the Madejski Stadium and could continue as he helped the Whites to their first clean sheet of the season.

Bristol possible starting lineup: Hamer; Ayling, Flint, Williams, Fredericks; Smith, Pack, Freeman, Bryan; Wilbraham, Kodjia

Leeds possible starting lineup: Silvestri; Berardi, Cooper, Bamba, Taylor; Byram, Adeyemi, Mowatt, Dallas; Antenucci, Wood

Head To Head

This is the first meeting since January 2013 and Bristol do not have good memories of facing Leeds having lost six in a row against the Yorkshire side.

Leeds are also unbeaten in five league games at Ashton Gate, winning the last three in a row.

© Sports Mole / SM

We say: Bristol 0-1 Leeds

With Sol Bamba marshalling the Leeds defence, the Whites should be hard to break down and might just edge it against a City side low on confidence and without one of their best players in Freeman.